by Jeff Benjamin
Bryce Hoppel and Jeff Benjamin, photo by Jeff Benjamin
This is the sixth piece on athletes competing in the 2021 NB Indoor GP Live at Ocean Breeze, on Saturday, Feb 13, 2021. Bryce Hoppel just ran 1:44.36 WL last weekend at ATL Meet #3 in the 800m. This weekend, he will compete at the 1000m!
The 2021 New Balance Indoor Gran Prix Live At Ocean Breeze, Staten Island
Bryce Hoppel Is “Ready To Go!”
By Jeff Benjamin
Like many athletes during the COVID crisis, adidas athlete Bryce Hoppel had to manage training on his own.
“I was down in Texas and was training solo.”
Bryce Hoppel, 2020 NB Indoor GP, photo by Mike Deering / The Shoe Addicts
But, beginning in December, the Texan native was able to return to his Alma Mater, as the former University of Kansas Star was able to train with people once again.
Bryce Hoppel with Jake Wightman, 2020 NB Indoor GP 1000m, photo by Mike Deering / The Shoe Addicts
“From December to now I’ve been based in Kansas,” said Hoppel who after graduating, is still coached by KU Distance Coach Michael Whittlesey.
“It’s cool to be training with people again.”
It’s also no doubt “cool” to be racing again for Hoppel as well.
Bryce Hoppel, 2020 NB Indoor GP 1000m, photo by Mike Deering / The Shoe Addicts
Last week in Arkansas, Hoppel ran a time of 1:44.37 in the 800 meters to set the world lead mark in 2021 and claim the second fastest time in U.S. history.
Recovering well, Hoppel no doubt has his eyes on going even faster and this upcoming Saturday he’ll have the opportunity and the track to run it on.
Hoppel is entered in the 1000 meters at the New Balance Grand Prix on the quick indoor track in Ocean Breeze on Staten Island.
Bryce Hoppel battles with Jake Wightman, 2020 NB Indoor GP 1000m, photo by Mike Deering / The Shoe Addicts
Hoppel’s training has not changed much from his college days.
“Other than the change of venues to race in, I pretty much have the same routine as I did in College,” said Hoppel, who is probably looking at the 1000 American Record of 2:16.76, held by David Torrence. “The transition has been easy and I’m trying to keep it consistent.”
Bryce Hoppel with Jake Wightman, 2020 NB Indoor GP 1000m, photo by Mike Deering / The Shoe Addicts
As for the possibility of approaching the World Record of Djibouti’s Ayanleh Souleiman (2:14.20)?
“I’m ready to go!”
Bell Lap
Although no live spectators are allowed, the 2021 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix will be shown live on NBC from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, . 13. The event is the only gold-level U.S. stop on the World Athletics Indoor Tour.
For further information check out https://www.nbindoorgrandprix.com
